SAFE Faculty Spotlight: Kendra Souza
Kendra Souza, senior lecturer and first/second year Spanish coordinator, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) fund recipient
Project: “Language Proficiency Through Book Groups”
Souza received funding from a SAFE grant that was used to purchase books for an intermediate level Spanish book club.
“The materials allowed students a glimpse into a world apart from their own,” explained Souza. Students learned about family systems, food, gender roles and other cultural elements through the books such as the Mexican novel, 'Como Agua Para Chocolate.'
Through reading and discussion, participants typically gain confidence in their abilities to read and understand a language that is not their own, and better learn about the people and the cultures described in the stories,” said Souza.
“In a time of disconnection due to pandemic and quarantine, book clubs provide an alternative route to togetherness. Through the stories of others, we learn to listen, reflect and share. We can consider the problems that inarguably surround us and explore together the methods and motivations that we must nurture and employ to solve them,” said Souza.
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About The SAFE Fund
Initially endowed by Hughlene and Bill Frank, the College of Arts and Sciences Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund provides resources that can be used to support undergraduate, graduate and faculty experiences. The SAFE Fund provides funding for college priorities and opportunities that arise throughout the year. These unrestricted funds support student and faculty travel, publication support for faculty and student research opportunities. Learn more at: https://cas.appstate.edu/students/student-and-faculty-excellence-safe-fund.
About the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers courses that enhance students’ understanding of other cultures and languages as well as their own, making them prepared for lifelong learning in a multicultural world. Learn more at https://dllc.appstate.edu.
Compiled and written by Sophia Woodall and Ellen Gwin Burnette
April 15, 2021
BOONE, N.C.
Caption: SAFE faculty recipient Kendra Souza, senior lecturer and first/second year Spanish coordinator, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Photo submitted.
Caption: SAFE faculty recipient Kendra Souza, senior lecturer and first/second year Spanish coordinator, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Photo submitted.